"However, it did not happen as they said my knee has a problem - but I feel better than anything."

Maiga pointed to current Newcastle player Demba Ba, who went on to find success in England after failing a medical at Stoke City.

He added: "There is a player at Newcastle now [Demba Ba], he was told at a Premier League medical that he had a knee problem, he then went to another and started scoring goals before his move to Newcastle.

"But I am strong in my head and up for it, I like Sochaux, but I am having a difficult time with the fans, they do not understand me.

"I love the Premier League and I want to play there, hopefully I will have another chance, my health is very good and my knees are strong."

Sochaux

Sochaux coach Mecha Bazdarevic spoke about Maiga after the weekend's defeat against Bordeaux.

Indeed Bazdarevic seemed just as upset the move did not happen, saying: "Is Modibo disturbed? He has been disturbed for two-and-half months and there is nothing new.

"The situation is very difficult for everyone. I have no choices in attack so far, but I hope to make some in the close future."